Non-Linear Behavior Models for Design of Carbon-Carbon Composite Components

ATA Engineering, Inc., proposes to continue development of improved nonlinear material behavior models for the design of 3D woven carbon/carbon (C/C) composite thermal protection system (TPS) components. The Phase II project will focus on expanding and refining a C/C material modeling toolset to enable analysis of more complex geometries, multidirectional stress states, and alternative material systems. The project seeks to advance the technology to TRL 7 by demonstrating the methods in a high-fidelity environment sufficient for justifying incorporation into industry best practices. The toolset will be validated first against material test data measured from legacy replacement materials and later against the results of a planned material test campaign involving a next-generation material. Part of the proposed effort, the validation test campaign, will produce key validation points from thermo-mechanical coupon tension, compression, and shear testing of a next-generation material system(s) at temperature and provide insight into material performance under complex loading conditions. The project will also demonstrate the feasibility of using the material models in a full-scale thermo-mechanical simulation of a notional reentry structure. Lastly, the toolset (including source code and demonstration models) will be provided to Navy personnel for beta testing.